West Ham United have reportedly come to an agreement with Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez on personal terms ahead of a potential switch to the Europa Conference League holders.
The Mexico international was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, while Borussia Dortmund were thought to have been in advanced discussions over a deal last month.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are now at the head of the queue, with the Hammers coming to an agreement with the central midfielder over personal terms.
West Ham must now attempt to settle on a transfer fee with Ajax, who are believed to be resigned to losing the 25-year-old during this summer's transfer window.
Alvarez made the move to the Dutch giants from America in 2019, and he has represented the Amsterdam giants on 147 occasions in all competitions over the last four seasons.
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Staying with the Hammers, Gianluca Scamacca's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with the forward expected to leave David Moyes's side.
Inter Milan have been heavily linked with the Italy international, but according to Romano, Atalanta BC are now winning the race to secure his signature.
The Italian journalist claims that West Ham are willing to accept €25m (£21.6m) plus €5m (£4.3m) add-ons for the forward, with Inter now set to switch their attention to Arsenal's Folarin Balogun.
Scamacca, who has allegedly already agreed to make the move to Atalanta, only managed eight goals for Moyes's side last season following his arrival from Sassuolo.
The 24-year-old netted 16 Serie A goals during the 2021-22 campaign, though, in addition to impressing in Italy's top flight while on loan at Genoa in 2020-21.
Atalanta have money to spend this summer following the sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United.
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Elsewhere, Aston Villa have reportedly been in touch with Sevilla to discuss a possible deal for Gonzalo Montiel during this summer's transfer window.
The Argentina international is said to be looking to leave Estadio Ramon in the current market.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Villa have made contact with the Europa League holders to discuss a possible transfer to Unai Emery's side before the market closes for business.
Montiel, 26, made the move to his current side from River Plate in 2021, and he has made 71 appearances over the last two seasons, including 43 outings during the 2022-23 campaign.
The right-back also famously scored the winning penalty for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final against France in Qatar towards the end of last year.
Villa have already boosted their squad with the arrivals of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans.
Matt Law
